How can one of Portland's most bustling and diverse intersections change without losing what makes the community special?

Interview with Director Dawn Jones Redstone

Congratulations! Why did you make your film?

I was hired by Metro (Oregon regional government) to work with Executive Producer Craig Beebe to make a short video that would bring to life the stories of the people who live, work and shape the area around SE 82nd and Division Street. The video was to be part of a campaign to engage the community in a variety of public and private efforts going on in the area to improve transportation and expand opportunity.

Imagine I’m a member of the audience. Why should I watch this film?

We hear a lot of talk about gentrification and displacement these days; it’s the reality of any modern city. We also know that many areas need investment for basic safety and mobility. And we see government putting out promotional media all the time. Metro chose to place voices of hope alongside voices of concern about how their neighborhood is changing and what it really needs. That’s not what we usually expect from our government.

How do personal and universal themes work in your film?

I’m always personally interested in how our geography binds us together. We often make alliances with people we know and decide we like, but when you live in a city, you automatically have something in common with the folks all around you whether that’s your neighbors or your local government. It’s fascinating to see how these relationships get worked out and really, if we want to grow together, they have to get worked out.

How have the script and film evolved over the course of their development and production?

Craig selected interviewees who had some really compelling things to say. With documentary, you never know what you’re going to get, but their comments really helped shape the video.

Khanh at corner: Khanh Pham and her daughter at SE 82nd and Division.

What type of feedback have you received so far?

I’ve received really positive feedback from friends that know about or live in that particular neighborhood and it was primarily about the honesty of the video. Making media that reflects perspectives, both positive and negative, can be a powerful acknowledgement that citizens don’t often get from their government. Not everything is perfect. There is more work to be done.

Has the feedback surprised or challenged your point of view?

Since Craig works at Metro, he’s received more direct feedback and he says that people have been surprised by the quality and candor of the film. The area profiled has a lot of stereotypes associated with it, and people have reported that the film helped them challenge those stereotypes to learn more about what’s really going on – and what could happen next.

What are you looking to achieve by having your film more visible onwww.wearemovingstories.com?

The more people see the film, the better.

What type of impact and/or reception would you like this film to have?

I want people to see example of citizens engaging with their government to be part of positive change.

What’s a key question that will help spark a debate or begin a conversation about this film?

How can we as individuals have a hand in shaping where we live?

Would you like to add anything else?

I was just really impressed with the people we interviewed who are so active in helping to change their neighborhood.

Khanh crosses street: Khanh Pham and her daughter at SE 82nd and Division, an intersection that scares her.

What are the key creatives developing or working on now?

Metro is continuing to work on storytelling around key places and issues in the Portland region. Metro’s award-winning Regional Snapshots program combines stats, maps, stories and compelling videos and photos to tell these stories. Find them at oregonmetro.gov/snapshot. Read other Metro storytelling about Portland-area land and transportation planning, parks and nature, garbage and recycling and visitor venues at oregonmetro.gov/news.

We Are Moving Stories embraces new voices in drama, documentary, animation, TV, web series and music video. If you have just made a film - we'd love to hear from you. Or if you know a filmmaker - can you recommend us? More info: Carmela

How can one of Portland's most bustling and diverse intersections change without losing what makes the community special?

Length: 4:04

Director: Dawn Jones Redstone

Producer: Craig Beebe

About the director and producer:

Dawn Jones Redstone (Director) is an award-winning filmmaker living in Portland, Oregon. Her commercial work is focused on raising diverse voices for community-minded organizations. She is currently developing a full-length tradeswoman thriller.

Craig Beebe (Executive Producer) is a public affairs specialist at Metro, the Portland regional government. Craig tells stories and engages the public on planning programs, including transportation, land use and housing.